What is an Anytime Goalscorer bet? A beginner's guide
An Anytime Goalscorer bet is one of the most popular football betting markets, allowing bettors to back a player to score at any point during a match.
Unlike First Goalscorer or Last Goalscorer markets, the player doesn't need to score first or last.
As long as they find the back of the net during normal time, and subject to your bookmaker's rules - the bet is usually settled as a winner.
With star forwards such as Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland regularly among the favourites in this market, understanding how Anytime Goalscorer betting works can help you make more informed selections.
What is an Anytime Goalscorer bet?
The concept is straightforward.
You choose a player you believe will score during the match.
If that player scores at any stage of the game, your bet wins.
If they fail to score, the bet loses.
Most bookmakers settle the market based on goals scored in normal time, including injury time, but excluding extra time and penalty shootouts unless otherwise stated in their rules.
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How does an Anytime Goalscorer bet work?
Imagine France are playing Norway.
You back Kylian Mbappé as an Anytime Goalscorer.
Mbappé scores in the 12th minute.
Your bet wins immediately once the goal is confirmed.
If he scores later in the match instead, the outcome is the same.
The timing of the goal doesn't matter - only that he scores.
When should you consider this market?
An Anytime Goalscorer bet may be worth considering when:
A striker is in excellent form.
A player regularly takes penalties.
The opposition has defensive weaknesses.
The player averages a high number of shots per game.
The match is expected to feature plenty of goals.
Factors to consider
Before placing an Anytime Goalscorer bet, it's worth looking beyond reputation alone.
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Consider:
Recent scoring form.
Minutes played.
Expected starting line-ups.
Penalty responsibilities.
Free-kick duties.
Head-to-head record.
Team attacking style.
Injuries and suspensions.
These factors often provide a clearer picture than simply backing the biggest name.
Advantages
Some of the benefits include:
Easy market to understand.
Available in almost every football competition.
Can offer attractive odds.
Strong fit for bettors who closely follow player form.
Disadvantages
There are also risks.
Star players often have shorter odds.
An injury or early substitution can reduce your chances.
A dominant performance doesn't always result in a goal.
Tactical changes may affect a player's attacking role.
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Common mistakes
Avoid:
Backing famous players purely because of their reputation.
Ignoring expected line-ups.
Forgetting who takes penalties.
Overlooking defensive match-ups.
Chasing long odds without sufficient reasoning.
Anytime Goalscorer vs First Goalscorer
These two markets are often confused.
With Anytime Goalscorer, your selected player can score at any stage of the match.
With First Goalscorer, they must score the opening goal.
Because the requirement is more specific, First Goalscorer odds are usually significantly higher.
Betting tips
Before placing an Anytime Goalscorer bet:
Study recent form.
Look at expected goals (xG) if available.
Consider who takes penalties.
Analyse the opponent's defensive record.
Compare odds across different bookmakers.
Focus on value rather than simply backing favourites.
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Final thoughts
An Anytime Goalscorer bet is one of football's simplest and most enjoyable betting markets.
By combining player form, tactical analysis and an understanding of the opposition, bettors can make more informed decisions rather than relying solely on reputation.
As with any betting market, the objective should be to identify value while betting responsibly.
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